Pacquiao warned: Horn 'eats southpaws for breakfast'

MANILA, Philippines – Jeff Horn’s trainer says his fighter is used to fighting left-handed opponents and thus should have no problem dealing with Manny Pacquiao.

In a recent interview with Fairfax Media, Glenn Rushton, Horn’s trainer, expressed confidence that his ward will pull off a shocker if ever he gets to fight Pacquiao.

"His [Horn’s] doubters will have egg on their face," said Rushton.

"Naturally I respect Manny Pacquiao for everything he's achieved in the sport. But when you start to weigh it up, you will see what we have in Jeff Horn. You can't see the future, but I believe we're looking at a future legend. Now, they're saying, 'Who the hell is Jeff Horn?' After, they'll know all about Jeff Horn," he added.

The 28-year-old Horn, a native of Brisbane, Australia is the frontrunner to land a career-defining showdown with Pacquiao, who is eyeing an April 23 return.

No venue has been determined so far, although Horn’s representatives are keen on bringing the fight to Australia.

Although Horn will be a huge underdog against Pacquiao, Rushton is confident that the young prospect

He also raved about Horn’s capability to fight southpaws like Pacquiao.

"When the bell sounds, you have to be up for it, aware and ready. And he is ready. He has always delivered. Nothing stops him. You hit him and he gets up. He's like The Terminator but that's part of the training. It's that warrior spirit where you try to become devoid of emotion in the ring. He eats southpaws for breakfast," Rushton continued.

Ironically, a look at Horn’s boxrec.com records page showed the boxer has fought only two southpaws: virtually unknown fighters Robson Assis and Aswin Cabuy.

But Rushton believes in his ward’s ability to study his opponents and execute game plans.

"I've had 10 years of this with Jeff and now, when he gets out in the ring, he's almost in a trance-like state. Outside the ring, he's a happy guy. Inside the ring, he's The Hornet,” he said.

"It goes straight to his subconscious. He gets out there and does it, follows plans perfectly. I've been studying Manny Pacquiao for a long time ... to beat him, he has to follow the plan."